ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

Inspecting Pre-20th Century Masonry

The masonry that we home inspectors scrutinize generally falls into one of two broad categories: pre- and post-20th century. The transition point centers around the introduction of Portland cement–based masonry mortar, which began to replace lime mortar around 1920. The conditions we observe and document between earlier and modern masonry are often starkly different because Portland cement–based mortar transitioned masonry to a near maintenance-free system.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

Preliminary Buyer Walk -Throughs

While mortgage rates sit at historic lows, not all bodes well for house hunters. Potential buyers nationwide face low housing inventory and subsequently high prices, leaving many to wonder how they’ll ever secure their dream homes. And, eager to avoid bidding wars with other hopefuls, buyers’ real estate agents suggest that their clients pursue an unconventional time and money-saver: preliminary buyer walk-throughs.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

Why Inspectors Offer Drone Inspections

Unlike other ancillary services, drone inspection services are not a means of providing substantial additional income to your home inspection business. In fact, the inspectors we interviewed rarely charge for drone inspections, if they charge at all, and most of our interviewees use their drones during 15 percent of their home inspections or less.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

Inspecting Your Digital Home

While you devote time to inspecting your clients’ homes to ensure their safety, you also should consider making time to inspect your own digital home.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

Thermal Imaging: Part 2

Many home inspectors incorporate thermal imaging into their home inspections—so many, in fact, that due to the volume of excellent responses from ASHI members, this is the second installment of a two-part article.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

ASHI Awards 2020

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Feature

ASHI Virtual Summit: A Collaborative Effort to Share Expertise with Home Inspectors

In March, ASHI delivered its first live virtual event, the ASHI Virtual Summit (AVS). This event not only provided excellent multiple webinars over several days, but also offered state-specific continuing education units, interactive elements in each session and a streamlined registration process.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Smart Inspector Science

Cantilevered Deck Issues

A “cantilevered” deck or balcony is hung on the side of a building with no support posts. Typically, the home’s framing joists are extended beyond the envelope to support the deck.

ASHI Reporter May 2021, Postcards from the Field

Postcards From The Field

It’s Wacky Out There!